An occasional list of exhibits, programs, and events at North Carolina museums. Sponsored by the North Carolina Museums Council.

Friday, January 13, 2012

NCMC Events From Around the State… January 16, 2012

1). Cape Fear Museum presents “Mystery at the Museum” on Saturday, January 21, 10 AM-4 PM, $3 for members; $6 for non-members. Something mysterious has happened at the Museum - a gardener made a shocking discovery in the Museum’s courtyard while planting a tree. What could these shimmering objects be? Investigate the scene then analyze your evidence in the mystery labs. Be on the lookout for clue carts and hidden evidence. Experience our exhibits as they come to life to uncover the secrets of our region’s past.

2). N.C. State CapitolOn Saturday, January 21, learn the stories behind some of the Executive Mansion's furniture and artifacts with Maria Shevzov, acting curator of decorative arts at the N.C. Museum of History and North Carolina's Executive Mansion. The free lecture takes place at 1 p.m. in the old House Chamber. In this multimedia presentation, Shevzov will introduce several objects from the collection to discuss the medium, the use of the object, and the private lives of the public families who used these items.

3). N.C. Museum of Natural SciencesMost people alive today will witness a momentous juncture in the history of the human species – the point when explosive growth in human numbers and appetites peaks and is followed by … no one knows. Join prize-winning journalist Andrew Revkin to explore the question “Which Comes First: Peak Everything or Peak Us?” at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on Wednesday, January 18 at 7pm. Free.

4). SECCA presents “Talk at SECCA: Out of Fashion Artist Conversation” on on Thursday, January 19th, 7pm. Free and open to the public. “Out of Fashion”, the current exhibition at SECCA, presents a variety of work by 14 artists and designers from across NC, including those who have moved to our state, as well as those from NC now living abroad. Across multiple generations and materials, they use the language of fashion to explore broader social, economic, political and environmental issues. Join three “Out of Fashion” exhibiting artists and SECCA curator Steven Matijcio for a special in-gallery experience and conversation.

5). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher presents “Mommy and Me” on Tuesday, January 17, 9am, for adults and children ages 1-2. $13 for one adult and one child ($1 for each additional child); Admission to Aquarium is included. Mothers and their children interact and learn together about aquarium animals. They also enjoy free playtime in our Freshwater Wonders Room.

6). Cape Fear MuseumOnce again, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science needs help cracking a mysterious case of “whodunit?” Families are asked to put on their detective hats and solve an all new “Mystery at the Museum” Saturday, January 21 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (last ticket sold at 2:30). Something mysterious has happened at the Museum—a gardener made a shocking discovery in the Museum’s courtyard while planting a tree. What could these shimmering objects be? It is Native American currency or a colonial merchant’s income? Perhaps it’s Pirate booty!

7). The Bascompresents “Art Adventure" on Tuesdays, January 17-February 21, 3:15-430 pm, ages 5-9. Roll up your sleeves and join in on the fun after school! You will work on individual and collaborative projects, and experiment with everything from painting, ceramics and sculpture to printmaking and collage. Snacks are provided. Bus service is available from Highlands School. Class size is limited, pre-registration is required. Tuition: $30 for a six week session.

8). Waterworks Visual Arts Center The Reverend Dale Steele of LightShine Ministries will give a special gallery talk on exhibiting artist (posthumously) Robert Doares’ artwork “Immanuel, God with Us: The Life of Christ in Art” on Thursday, January 19 at 11 am and Tuesday, January 24 at 1:30 pm. The 54 panoramic drawings and paintings in the series represents 30 years of Robert’s life and became his offering of worship and praise to the Lord. Each drawing took 300 hours to complete and each oil took over 600 hours to complete. This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by January 16.

9). Museum of Anthropology presents “Gazing at the Contemporary World: Japanese Photography from the 1970s to the Present” from Jan. 24 – Mar. 31, Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00am – 4:30pm. In its American premier, this exhibit examines transformations in contemporary Japanese society and landscapes over recent decades by providing an overview of the diverse photographic expression that emerged during that time period. The exhibit features text in English and Japanese. Admission is free.

10). Asheville Art Museum The Asheville Art Museum is pleased to present “Ready for Prime Time”, a preview party celebrating “Prime Time: New Media Juried Exhibition”, the inaugural exhibition of the New Media Gallery scheduled to open in the Museum’s newly-expanded East Wing in March 2012. Ready for Prime Time will take place at Asheville CityMac, located at 755 Biltmore Avenue in Biltmore Village, on Thursday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. (audiences of all ages are welcome). A $5 donation at the door is suggested in support of ongoing exhibitions and educational programming at the Museum.